Tycoon's Death Sparks Scandal

Business tycoon Francis Mburu, the man at the center of the infamous 2019 Ruaraka land scandal, has passed away, and his death is stirring up old controversies that could spell trouble for ex-CS Fred Matiang’i’s 2027 presidential bid.

Mburu, a well-known real estate player in Kenya, was found dead at his Karen home on February 20, 2025.
Though his family had mentioned he’d been feeling unwell, the actual cause of death is still unclear. His body has since been moved to Lee Funeral Home as an autopsy is awaited.

The land in question housed Ruaraka High School and Drive-In Primary School, and the deal raised eyebrows.

Back then, Fred Matiang’i, serving as Education CS, got dragged into the mess because he allegedly approved the payments. The scandal sparked investigations, but no major convictions followed.

Despite the controversy, Matiang’i’s political career hasn’t slowed down. The Jubilee Party has already endorsed him as their 2027 presidential candidate, with Secretary-General Jeremiah Kioni hyping up his government experience and past achievements.

With Mburu’s death bringing the Ruaraka land scandal back into the limelight, Matiang’i’s opponents might seize the moment to question his credibility.

Some analysts believe this could hurt his campaign, while others argue that his strong track record and support from the Jubilee Party will help him weather the storm.

Either way, as the 2027 elections draw closer, it’s clear that past scandals and political maneuvers will play a huge role in shaping the race. Whether this latest development is a real threat to Matiang’i’s presidential dream or just another bump in the road remains to be seen.